Some will wind themselves (DD burps and snores like a docker on fizzy beer) but generally younger babies will burp after or during most feeds. DS was more subtle and sometimes you had to listen hard but it also helped him take more at each feed hence his lump like shape

I burped my two (mix-fed) until about 6 months when they could sit. At that point they didn't need it anymore (not sure why but I read it somewhere and it worked out that way for me). For DD1, I didn't think to burp her at first but my mum suggested it after about a week and it seemed to make her much more comfortable. At first the burps were little and hard to prise out but in time they became louder and easier. Mine were both farters too but needed the burping as well!

Yes the nurses also said sit on lap, not over shoulder. DS had a mild problem with turning slightly blue and you can't see their faces over your shoulder.DD however burps herself when you put her in shoulder burp position to go in the sling. She is now 7 months but not sitting yet, but I don't bother burping her any more unless she is really uncomfy after a feed.

I did find that having her sat on my knee and lent slightly forward and then placing my palm in the small of her back and pushing up her spine whilst moving her to sit upright was the most effective way.

being "rough" to wind always seemed to be a bit too barbaric for my liking

I hate having to burp mine. Especially during the night, he'll go all floppy and cozy finishing his milk, then having to rough him right up to burp just seems so wrong!I do it anyway because he gets 'colicky'